Dan Garrett, 90, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2024, at his home in Elephant Butte, surrounded by his wife of almost 70 years, Darlene Garrett, and friends. Dan was born in Rocky Ford, Colo., on Sept. 17, 1933, to Samuel George Garrett and Ada Kathleen Hanway the youngest of seven kids.
Dan married his Mosca, Colo., high school sweetheart, Darlene, on June 1, 1954. They married on leave from the Marine Corps in Gallup, N.M. They returned to Camp Pendleton near San Diego, Calif., immediately after the ceremony. They remained in California until Dan was discharged in January 1956. They then returned to Cortez, Colo., where they had three children, Debbie, Jack and Kerry. They later moved to Winston, N.M., where Dan became the manager of the Double Arrow Ranch in 1971. Dan and Darlene lived on the ranch for 27 years, raising kids, cattle, horses, and many dogs and cats.
Dan was an active member of the community. He was a Sierra County Commissioner for two terms and served as chairman for 2 years. He was Chamisa Cowbells Father of the Year in 1988. He also served on the Hot Springs School Board for 2 years. He helped with many 4-H and FFA projects and activities, including the livestock sale for many years. He would buy raffle tickets from any kid that was trying to raise money for any project and bought many animals from 4-H kids at the livestock sale.
Dan helped build, maintain and improve the Winston Community Center. The community center is still used by the Winston community. Dan liked to do the Cow Chip Poker at the Winston Fiesta. Dan loved playing cards with his group of friends. Many an afternoon was spent laughing and playing Hearts and Hand and Foot. He also loved to play poker. He loved to cook for his poker buddies. Always showing up to poker with a pot of chile or a pie. Even after he couldn’t drive, someone would come pick him up to go play poker. He also taught his children and grandchildren to play poker. The grandkids would accuse him of cheating because no one can win that much without cheating.
Dan came from a proud military family. His father Samuel George Garrett was in the Army and served in World War I. His brother Don (Marine) was killed in World War II. His brothers George, Dean, and Johnny were all Army, and all were wounded during World War II. His brother Pat (Army) and Dan (Marine) were in the Korean War. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi.
Dan is survived by his wife of 70 years, Darlene Garrett; children: Debbie Menicucci and husband Mike, Jack Garrett and wife Debbie, and Kerry Garrett and wife DaRonda; grandchildren: Bryan Garrett (Sarah), Kegan Garrett (Amanda), Steven Menicucci (Kristin), Shawn Menicucci (Brittany), Sarah Menicucci (Evan Fritsche) Justin Garrett, Taylor Chapin (Christian) and Briana Garrett; great-grandchildren: Kayde Garrett, Bryce Menicucci, Kasen Menicucci, Colton Menicucci, and Kreece Garrett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Don, George, Dean, John and Pat; and sister, Julia.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Alamosa Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dan’s name to a Veteran’s organization of your choice, St. Jude’s Hospital or Fellowship Alliance Church.
Arrangements are by Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc. and Sierra Crematory, LLC, 303 N. Cedar St., T. or C., NM 87901, 575/894-2574.
For online memorial messages, please visit www.kirikosfamilyfuneralhome.com.
